Greece: New silver crown coin in “Greek Culture” series dedicated to the historian Thucydides

The Bank of Greece will issue (13th June) their next silver Proof quality crown coin which is part of their ongoing series entitled “Greek Culture.” This latest coin features the ancient historian Thucydides (c. 460–c. 404 B.C.), a noteworthy figure from the ancient Greek era remembered for his stark recounting of the struggle between Athens and Sparta in the fifth century B.C. His work was the first recorded political analysis of a nation’s war policies. Being the son of Olorus, historians believe the family were not Athenian, as the origins of Olorus’ name was probably of Thracian descent on his mother’s side. Though Thucydides was himself Athenian, little is known about his earlier life except for what he disclosed from his writings. Even his exact year of birth is uncertain but it is believed to be no later than 460 B.C. In the year 424 B.C., he was perhaps 30 years of age when he was elected one of 10 stratēgos, a military magistrate of great importance.

His work is particularly well remembered for his personal record of Pericles’ speech about those killed in the first year of the war. The account is the most glowing reference of Athens and Athenian democracy that any leading citizen could have hoped to hear. His tomb, and a monument to his memory, were still part of the Athenian landscape well into the second century AD. Thucydides’ works were meticulously translated by the English Scholar and Philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), directly from Greek into English, in 1628.

The Hellenic State Mint produces the Proof quality silver crown size coins at their facilities in Athens on behalf of the Bank of Greece and are designed by the well-known engraver-artist George Stamatopoulos. The obverse side includes a historically accurate image of Thucydides facing to the right which is based on an original marble bust from the early fourth century B.C. Placed to the right of the image of Thucydides is the Greek text ΘΟΥΚΥΔΙΔΗΣ, which is seen along the upper edge of the coin. The year of issue, 2019, is also placed to the right of the primary design in addition to the mintmark of the Hellenic Mint. A traditional Greek-key border surrounds the design. The reverse includes the official crest of the Hellenic Republic centred, with the text ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΊΑ shown above the crest, while the denomination of 10 ΕΥΡΩ is seen below. A traditional Greek-key border motif also surrounds the design.

Denom.

Metal

Weight

Diameter

Quality

Maximum Mintage

€10

.925 Silver

34.1 g

40 mm

Proof

1,200

A gold version of this coin with a face value of €200 was issued on the 18th April. Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a matte black custom case and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

For the purchase of one (1) coin set per person after their official release date, collectors residing in Greece can visit the Bank of Greece in Athens in person. Those outside Greece are asked to e-mail a request using the relevant ordering form to the following mailing address: *protected email*.

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Comments

Since last year, due to some local regulations /restrictions they have stopped shipping coins outside EU. This is very disheartening, essentially deflecting serious admirer of modern Greek coins to dealers that charge heavy premium on these coins, making them unattractive.

Yes, I am not certain myself about the sales restrictions, the Bank of Greece do not make it easy to order directly and receive coins. I am looking for a reliable distributor myself and together with the small mintages, Greek coins remain somewhat elusive for many collectors.

I have raised the issue with their marketing department during a brief meeting at the Berlin Money Show so hopefully something can be worked out sooner rather than later.